This somber rendition of “My City of Ruins,“ a song that would later appear on Springsteen's 2002 album “The Rising,“ kicked of the “America: A Tribute to Heroes“ telethon, which aired live on 35 broadcast and cable networks on Friday, September 21, 2001. Featuring the E Street Band's Steven Van Zandt, Patti Scialfa, Clarence Clemons and Soozie Tyrell on backing vocals, as well as Lisa Lowell, Dee Holmes, and Layonne Holmes. The song took on a new meaning soon after the September 11 attacks, offering a message of hope and rising from the ruins. The most famous live performance of the song came on September 21, 2001, during the America: A Tribute to Heroes national telethon. With only a guitar and a harmonica, Springsteen opened the program, introducing the number as “a prayer for our fallen brothers and sisters“ and modifying a few phrases in the song. He was joined on stage by Patti Scialfa, Steven Van Zandt, Soozie Tyrell, Lisa Lowell and Clarence Clemons. It was included as the first track on the subsequent album released of the telethon performances. :_A_Tribute_to_Heroes
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